A vanilla – butter naked cake with whipped cream & gorgeous summer berries, drizzled with white chocolate, dusted with powdered sugar – what else do you need to celebrate a special event? It has the aroma of vanilla beans, freshness of fruits, mint leaves and just perfect sweetness from the white chocolate.
I really waited super long to say this. Finally, Matthew and I own our second condo in Cambridge which is right next to our current condo.
My close friends and family knew how long we were looking for a second place in Cambridge. But, we were actively looking since May and after checking a few places around Harvard we found this. We were targeting this high-rise for a while as it’s right next to our current home, and has a closed garage (which is nearly impossible in Cambridge), Gym and Swimming Pool.
However, we are going to rent this one for a while until we can work on the renovation. It will be a place where our parents and family members can stay when they visit us in future.
For the past two months Matthew (mostly) and I worked really hard for this apartment. Our days were like a riding a roller coaster. Working with bank was another story, perhaps I will write a book on that one day. There were many moments the mortgage specialist drove us so far, I wished I knew the mafias.
But oh well, it’s done now! It will be a new experience for both of us. But whatever it is, we will sail it together.
When we signed the deal on Monday, Matthew’s first response was – “Let go and celebrate.” But, I am on diet. In last 2 years I gained 20 freaking pounds by eating out, so I am going to stop eating out for at least a month. It’s quite hard especially when you live right next to the food paradise of Harvard square, but I just have to do it.
Anyway, long story short, we did not go out. We opened the Whiskey we got from Ireland this year and a few bottles of Coht Du Rhone and Burgandy. But I needed to make something special. So here is the celebratory cake!
This naked cake definitely looks fancy, but it only requires an hour to prepare. Vanilla butter cake base requires 45-50 minutes and while that is getting baked you can whip up some cream, cut some fruits, melt some white chocolate and get ready. So if you have some big days coming up and need something easy, do try this. Don’t fret over the fruits, you can use any local fruits you have. And oh yes, don’t forget to add some mint leaves.
Recipe for Naked Cake with Seasonal Fruits
This naked cake recipe is loosely based on a recipe from the book Naked Cakes. The recipe is highly customizable. You can use any fruits, dark chocolate instead white, any type of fruit preserve.
Vanilla Bean Cake
2 1/2 (280 gram) sticks butter, softened
1 1/2 cups (280 gram) granulated sugar
5 eggs
2 cups (280 gram) all purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
2 1/2 tablespoons buttermilk
- Preheat the oven to 350F (180C). Have a hands on two round (6 inches by 3 inches) baking pan ready. Grease them well with oil and flour.
- In a mixing bowl mix together butter, sugar and egg. Slowly add flour, baking powder and buttermilk. Mix it thoroughly. Divide the batter equally and transfer them into the baking pans.
- Bake them for 35-40 minutes or until toothpick comes clear. Both cakes will golden brown. Take it aside and let it cool in the pan for a while. When it’s cooled down turn it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
{You can prepare the cakes in advance and keep them in the room temperature for 1 day. You can keep them refrigerated up to 7 days. }
Egg Replacement – 1/4 cup buttermilk/yogurt for 1 egg.
Decoration
You can use store-bought jelly, but I have used homemade strawberry preserve as it’s chemical free. You can find a simple strawberry preserve recipe here. Berries are the best for decoration, however any seasonal fruit works here.
1 1/4 cup whipping cream, whipped for 5 minutes
2 tablespoons strawberry preserve*
3 mint leaves, for decoration
1 bowl of fruits, for decoration*
40 gram white chocolate, melted.
Confectioner’s sugar for dusting.
- When you’re ready to serve, place one of the cake on a cake stand. With a serrated knife, cut the round top gently and carefully move it aside.
- With a blunt knife, spread the whipping cream which has been whipped for 5 minutes (Check the picture for consistency).
- On top that carefully place the strawberry slices. On top of the strawberry slices, put the preserve.
- Now cut the top of the other cake. Gently put the cut side down, so the brown side will be on top. Decorate with more fruits.
- Drizzle white chocolate on the fruits and sprinkle powdered sugar.
Check below, how did I decorate the cake!
Heartiest congratulations for the condo. The cake looks appetizing Dolphia. First time here and loved reading you. Will see me more often, hugs.
Thanks Pinkz! I follow your blog quite religiously even if I never left comment <3
Congratulation on you new purchase! Gorgeous looking cake and lovely presentation.
Congratulations.
Oh i love it , love it, love it. That last click, i couldn’t take my eyes off, gorgeous!!!
Amazing cake, beautifully decorated!!!
Congrats on your new condo!!! God bless!
Congratulations for the second condo. So happy for you. And the cake looks absolutely stunning! Oh, how I miss berries in India. 🙁
You get much better fruits than these berries, Pritha!
Gorgeous one, Dolphia as usual! And what a nice way to celebrate the new home. I am almost tempted to say that this is a healthy cake!:). BTW, what is that orange fruit you decorated with which almost looks like grape tomatoes?
That’s golden berry available at Shaws.
What a lovely cake ! Many congratulations on getting your second home 🙂 Its a very well done for all your efforts
The last shot is my absolute favorite…looks like a still from a movie. stunning !